The Mayor of Casterbridge — Vocabulary
Thomas Hardy
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	3	top 500
perceiveperceive → perceives:views in a certain way She perceives more risk in the trip than he does.more Show sample from book His usual habit was not to consider whether destiny were hard upon him or not—the shape of his ideals in cases of affliction being simply a moody "I am to suffer, I perceive."31 more view in a certain way so as to form a belief or opinion Show general definition for perceive (as in: perceive the system as unfair) to view in a certain way so as to form a belief or opinion
	29	top 500
perceive#2see (become aware of) I could perceive the ship coming over the horizon.more Show sample from book When Elizabeth's head rose through the trap she perceived that the upper door was open,31 more perceive → perceived:saw (become aware of) Show general definition for perceive (as in: though blind, can perceive light) to become aware of -- especially by using the senses (to see, hear, smell, feel, or taste)
	12	top 100
consequenceconsequence → consequences:results Your decision will have three major consequences.more Show sample from book To satisfy his conscience somewhat Henchard repeated to himself that the lie which had retained for him the coveted treasure had not been deliberately told to that end, but had come from him as the last defiant word of a despair which took no thought of consequences.14 more Show general definition for consequence (as in: a direct consequence of) a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
	3	top 1000
consequence#2consequence → consequential:important Think carefully. This is a consequential decision.more Show sample from book There was a man dropped down dead yesterday, not so very many miles from here; and what wi' that, and this moist weather, 'tis scarce worth one's while to begin any work o' consequence to-day.14 more importance Show general definition for consequence (as in: of little consequence) importance or relevance
	23	top 500
inquiryinvestigation The school launched an official inquiry into the allegations of cheating.more Show sample from book At the interview, when she offered him tea, he made it a point to launch a cautious inquiry if she knew Mr. Farfrae.22 more question Show general definition a question or investigation -- especially one meant to gather information or find out the truth
	11	top 200
moreoverin addition to what has just been said The company has too much debt. Moreover, it is responsible for a long-term lease on expensive office space.more Show sample from book He knew that she must have been somewhat excited to do this; moreover, she must have believed that there was some sort of binding force in the transaction.†10 more
	15	top 2000
magistratejudge The local magistrate insisted on a cash payment for the speeding ticket.more Show sample from book The magistrates consulted, and the second one said that the bench was of opinion that twelve feet nine inches from a man on his oath was admissible.†14 more magistrate → magistrates:judges or civil authorities who conduct a court Show general definition a judge or judicial official The exact meaning of magistrate varies widely depending upon the context. For example: in the U.S. federal court: assists district court judges by handling minor offenses or administrative tasks such as preliminary hearings (often referred to as a magistrate judge rather than just a magistrate) in some U.S. states: a judge in the state court in France, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and other civil law countries: a sitting magistrate is a judge and a standing magistrate is a prosecutor in England: may be a volunteer without formal legal training who performs a judicial role with regard to minor matters in ancient Rome: a powerful officer with both judicial and executive power
	13	top 1000
discernnotice or see (something that is not obvious) The second picture has more pixels, but the human eye can't discern the difference.more Show sample from book In a few moments he could discern a female figure creeping in by the great north gap, or public gateway.12 more see something that is not obvious Show general definition to notice or understand something -- often something that is not obvious
	8	top 100
precedeprecede → preceded:were before in time Stone tools preceded bronze tools.more Show sample from book Henchard preceded her through the door in the wall to the suddenly changed scene of the garden and flowers, and onward into the house.†7 more precede → preceded:went or was before Show general definition to go or do before
	8	top 200
scornscorn → scorned:rejected Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.more Show sample from book He scorns all tempting liquors; never touches nothing.†7 more scorn → scorns:disrespects or rejects as not valuable enough Show general definition disrespect or reject as not good enough
	7	top 500
notwithstandingin spite of Notwithstanding my fear, I want to try parachuting from an airplane.more Show sample from book Notwithstanding an occasional odd gravity which awoke their sense of the ludicrous for the moment, they began to view him through a golden haze which the tone of his mind seemed to raise around him.†6 more used to show that something remains true even though something else seems to go … Show general definition used to show that something remains true even though something else seems to go against it Show editor's word notes Most commonly, you can substitute "in spite of" for notwithstanding. But see the first exemplary sample sentences for other common word substitutions.
	11
trifletrifle → trifling:unimportant We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more Show sample from book He went round to the door, and the housewife agreed to prepare him some breakfast for a trifling payment, which was done.†11 more trifle → trifling:something of small importance; OR a small quantity Show general definition for trifle (as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
	1
trifle withtreat thoughtlessly or without respect She is not a woman to trifle with or ignore.more Show sample from book You see what's to be done, and you hear what I say, and you know I'm not going to be trifled with any longer.†11 more trifle with → trifled with:treated thoughtlessly or without respect Show general definition for trifle with (as in: trifle with her affections) to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect
	9	top 500
antagonistenemy or opponent In the movie, Star Wars, Darth Vader is the antagonist to Luke Skywalker.more Show sample from book He planted on Donald an antagonistic glare that had begun as a smile.†8 more antagonist → antagonistic:with opposition or hostility Show general definition for antagonist (as in: the antagonist in the film) someone who offers opposition or is hostile
	6	top 2000
divinefigure out He tried to divine her true feelings from the way she avoided eye contact.more Show sample from book ...she said, glad that he had divined this without her being obliged to express it.5 more divine → divined:discovered (figured out) Show general definition for divine (as in: divined through intuition) to discover or guess something -- usually through intuition or reflection
	5
effigyeffigy → burned in effigy:burned a crude straw man or dummy made to represent a person During the Spanish Inquisition, if the condemned died before their trial was finished, they were burned in effigy.more Show sample from book A procession—a scandal—an effigy of me, and him!†4 more a model or other representation Show general definition for effigy (as in: burned in effigy) a model or other representation -- typically of a person -- often of someone hated, so that it can be mocked and abused
	5
sundryof various kinds We sell many and sundry items.more Show sample from book But as they approached the village sundry distant shouts and rattles reached their ears from some elevated spot in that direction, as yet screened from view by foliage.†4 more various Show general definition various; or of various kinds
	5
forthwithimmediately The judge ordered her release "forthwith."more Show sample from book However, he gave way to her representations, and they entered the furmity booth forthwith.†4 more Show general definition immediately -- (most typically seen in legal documents, formal use, or classic literature)
	16	top 2000
countenancefacial expression; or face She has a pleasant countenance.more Show sample from book Lucetta's countenance lost its sparkle.17 more face Show general definition for countenance (as in: a pleasant countenance) facial expression; or face; or composure or manner
	2	top 2000
countenance#2to tolerate or approve We will not countenance torture.more Show sample from book ...there was room for wonder why she had countenanced deception at all,17 more countenance → countenanced:approved Show general definition for countenance (as in: giving countenance) to tolerate, approve, or show favor or support